Gunnawarra Homestead

Gunnawarra Homestead is located on a remote site south of Mt Garnet and is surrounded by lagoons, swamps, creeks and native wildlife. This private home demonstrates the pattern of early European exploration and pastoral settlement in Queensland and also the way in which homesteads were historically run. The property was first occupied in 1865 and the homestead was built in 1878. It is named Gunnawarra, meaning 'little house' in the local indigenous Warrungu language. Gunnawarra Homestead covered 555 square miles and was purchased by James Ewan in 1887. Popular picnic races were held at the property. In 1904, the property was sold to three brothers of the prominent Atkinson family who contributed greatly to the establishment of the northern Queensland cattle industry. In the 1980s, Gunnawarra Homestead offered the ultimate outback experience for tourists: farm stays and daytrips to Blencoe Falls and Girrigun National Park. Today, the property is still owned by members of the Atkinson family and can be viewed as you drive along Gunnawarra Road toward the Valley of Lagoons. The property comprises the 1878 homestead surrounded by service buildings, two former accommodation cottages, a ranch style building, sheds, and yards. This private property is not publically accessible.